IC: Puyallups IIa, Hugo Sanchez enters the shadows Options

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 08:45; Java Jane's, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex

The soycaf was hot and strong, both of the required attributes if Hugo was gonna be in any shape for the weekend. The last few days were a blur, at best. He wasn't for sure what exactly he missed, he just knows... well, thinks, that he had a good time.

Looking around the shop, the early working crowd has long since gone. Currently, the crowd includes folks like himself with no place special to be. A pair of students sit at a table closer to the door, discussing of all things, how Knight Errant is as crappy as Lone Star was. Before he has a chance to inject his own opinion into the conversation, Jane is at the table freshening up his cup. "Pay them no mind Sweety."

He, of course, knew that Jane called most everyone Sweety. Funny enough, Sugar is her name of choice for customers who are making her mad. Not that he'd ever seen her not smile at a customer. He had heard once about a customer that she bounced out on his head. Rumor was that the guy was a cybered up ork. In any case, she'd never been anything but nice when he was in... and he was a regular for over a year now.

He snapped back to the current conversation when she spoke again. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "You need to slow down the partying... and a shower would be really good right now."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 08:46; Java Jane's, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

"Thanks Jane! I'll go get right on that. What do I owe you? No, no, Danny, I'm paying this time! I insist! You paid yesterday."

Finalizing the bill, he stepped outside of the coffee shop into the bright morning sun. He felt lucky to be alive on this beautiful day. He paused for a second as memories cascaded over him. For some reason, talking with Danny today over coffee had seemed awkward. But why should it be awkward? Maybe Danny had something on his mind? I'll have to ask him... Suddenly, a loud bark brought him out of his reverie.

"Ah, sorry Cabre! Buen chico!" Hugo pulled out a piece of soy-bacon from a pocket on his well-traveled trenchcoat and fed it to the dog who was anxiously wagging his tail, all attention fixed on the bacon. Not totally satisfied, the dog took up a position near Hugo's side, hoping for more. As Hugo reached in to his trenchcoat again, the dog's tail increased it's ferocious motion. The sunglasses Hugo pulled out instead and slipped over his eyes caused the dog to emit a disappointed whine.

Turning to his left, Hugo said, "Ok, I'm headed to my place to shower up. Meet you later tonight at Loveland Quinn's?" Without waiting for a reply, he walked over to Pacific Avenue, then turned towards the bus stop, the dog following at a close distance. I should stop at WICANS on the way home, see if they need anything.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 09:47; Hugo's Doss, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex

Home crap home. No other sentiment really fit.
After getting off the broken down bus, Hugo had to walk thirteen blocks to the house with his room. Once, it was a reasonably nice three bedroom split ranch home. Now, it was reconfigured into five apartments. It sat on a street that hadn't been maintained in several decades and had a Knight Errant rating of almost Z; Meaning that he was the only cop likely to be here except on a blue moon on the third Thursday of leap year. The one thing it did have going for him was the security system he re-allocated from his former condo in Tacoma and the several hundred nuyen he paid Kim Sung-Pak every month for the protect of the Komun'Go. They had repainted their mark on his door yesterday in fact. Upgrades. Take 'em where you can get 'em.

Stepping through the doorway, he noticed the matrix was down again. Stepping in the shower, he found the hot water was also missing, but luckily plenty of cold was flowing today. Cabre lie on the bathroom floor, on the nappy rug that served as a bath mat. As the cold water flowed over his body, clearing the funk from his head, he had one thought. Yep, home crap home.

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 10:31; Hugo's Doss, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo stayed in the shower a long time, even dozing a little standing there. Turning off the water, the rumbling of his stomach reminded him that he hadn't had anything but soykaf for a long time. Cabre hadn't eaten in a long time either, judging by the expectant stare the dog was giving him. The thought of the flavorless soya and krill wasn't so appetizing, but at least it was food. He was lucky for that. As he fixed their breakfast, he mentally ran through all of the days tasks. The training, it died hard.

Let's see - I've got the spare clothing that the WICANS shelter needs (thanks Kendra), I can drop that off and stay to help with the lunch detail, maybe snag some lunch too. It's too bad that they need security - why Fridays are the crazy days is beyond me. With me and Cabre there though, no one will try anything. A grin spread over his face as he looked fondly at his dog. Just when he had seemed down down down on his luck, after being cut out from Lone Star after 10 years! then Maria leaving...well, Cabre was a welcome, unexpected new friend.

Ok, after WICANS, Kendra promised I could look at the new "inventory", see if there's anything that would be a good fit for me. Heh, it would be nice to have a left arm again. Feel whole again. I should mention to Kendra that we're going to Loveland's, if Danny hasn't already told her yet. Then I should make contact with Rojos - don't want him to think I'm blowing the Chulos off. I wonder why he needs to meet up?

His mental list completed, breakfast was quickly served and eaten. Afterwards Hugo went to his closet and moved the false back out, exposing a large lumpy black duffel bag. Unzipping the bag, he began sorting through the various items.

Let's see - helmet? Too conspicuous. Riot shield? Not in my condition. I think just the earbuds today...well, the Securetech stuff is pretty inconspicuous, why not bring that too? A little extra Jazz and Zen for my friends tonight...hmm, The Foam could come in handy today at lunch.

Replacing the bag in the hidden section of the closet, Hugo prepared to leave his home. Plugging his commlink in to the datajack in the base of his neck, he subscribed the Ares and checked the gun's diagnostic information over the smartlink on his PAN. Maybe if I have time (and can spare the cred) I can go get these skinlinked. Finding everything satisfactory, he placed the gun in a concealed holster in the small of his back. The taser went on his right hip. After strapping on the various Securetech pieces, he shrugged into his Lone Star armored jacket. Still fits. he thought, smiling. Various items went in the multitudes of pockets on the long trenchcoat he draped over his frame or in the hip-pack on his side.

Feeling much refreshed and ready to face the world now, Hugo went to the door, only to find a waiting Cabre, tail wagging happily in anticipation.

"Vamos, Cabre!"

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 10:47; Hugo's Doss, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex

Breakfast was soy packets... and no flavoring. Not trusting the quality of water from the tap for anything other than bathing, he gets their water from the hand made rain collector he pieced together. Even that sometimes get polluted when the ash blows in. Today it was fine though. Cabre, having been a wandering stray when Hugo found him, he devours the soymeal without objection.

Suited up and ready to go, the duo head out and begin the trek back towards the bus stop. He makes it seven blocks before his first challenge occurs. A trio of older teens are sitting on a porch. As he approaches, they take notice.

The first talks. "Lookie, lookie. Is that a star?"

The second adds some banter. "I smell bacon.. Yep, definitely bacon."

The third calls outs to Hugo. "Yo. Piggie. Give me your jacket."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 10:47; Pulford Rd E, Loveland, Puyallup District, Seattle Metroplex
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo stopped and sized up the kids sitting on the porch. No obvious firearms, no obvious cyberwear, no gang colors. Just three kids, bored, young, stupid. He sighed. He hoped they would live long enough to get smarter. The multitude of bags of clothes he was holding in his hand were encumbering him enough that a physical confrontation would be more awkward than it should be. He accessed his PAN and set his earbuds and sunglasses to max enhancement, just to be safe. Trying to come up with a plan, he felt lucky to remember he'd seen the colors of the Komun'Go a few buildings back. Maybe I can talk them down.

"Not been a pig for a year, I'm afraid. Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm late to meet some friends. I'm sure the Komun'Go wouldn't be very happy to find out you're hassling people on their turf, would they? I don't think my friends would be very happy AT ALL. You do know the Komun'Go like to do some organlegging, don't you? Kill you, slice you up, cut your body into pieces and sell them? Your body goes to some lab, maybe your legs go to the ghouls - like drumsticks to them. Giant, meaty drumsticks. You're young and healthy, you look like you'd fetch a really good price. They might decide you were easy money...well, I've got to be going. I think we can forget this whole thing ever happened, don't you? Now you kids take care and stay out of trouble."

With that, Hugo turned and continued walking at a normal pace towards the bus stop, Cabre trotting at his side.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 10:47; 40 Ave E, Loveland, Puyallup District

The punks give pause as Hugo and Cabre confidently continue down the street towards them. In the end, they consider that perhaps there are easier targets.

Friday, April 4th 2070; 12:25; 224th St E & 30 Ave E, Loveland, Puyallup District

Hugo arrives at the "bus stop". In reality, it is the stop sign on 40th Ave E at 224th St E. A couple of old guys run several broken down school buses along the road and into Loveland. A couple of nuyen in corporate script or certified cred is all that is required for passage. Sometimes you do have to wait quite a while to get picked up though; Like today. Hugo waited over an hour for a pickup, but that was better than most days. The bus is about 75% full, mostly with housewives with empty bags and a few youth who, if they came from more affluent families would be in school.

The next stop is 30th Ave E. Several more passengers get on and a trio of youth with black and red gang colors talk to the driver, collect some of the script and exit the bus.

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 12:25; 224th St E & 30 Ave E, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo didn't get a good look at the gangers, standing in the back of the bus stuffed between two "matronly" troll women and their shopping. Stripping the seats out of the old school bus allowed for many more passengers, but made for a much less comfortable ride. He only saw flashes of red and black colors from the gangers, no insignias. The only gang he could think of with colors like that was the Leather Devils, but this wasn't their area at all. Was there a new gang around here? This seemed like a new procedure - it hadn't been happening since he had been riding the bus. Sure, there were payments when entering gang territory, but this was an added new "stop". He made a mental note to ask his gang contacts when he had a chance. Soon these thoughts were pushed from his mind as he had to fight to find a space to breath among the packed inhabitants on the bus.

He realized that he was going to be late to the lunch. He'd better let them know.

<@WICANS[Lucky]: I'm running late, sorry-buses are running slow today. We're almost there, we're on Mountain Hwy, about 5 minutes from B St. Save me and Cabre a plate, will ya?>


Friday, April 4th 2070; 12:57; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

The bus arrived at the WICANS shelter right in the full swing of the free lunch detail. Folding tables had been set up on the sidewalk outside of the shelter, laden with steaming trays of fresh soya, krill, myco-products, even some real vegetables here and there, grown right at the shelter. Hugo's mouth started watering as soon as he smelled the food. A large throng of people were lined up, mostly orderly, passing in front of the tables and being served the lunch. An elderly woman noticed Hugo and his large collection of bags as he got off the bus and started walking towards the shelter.

"Ah, there you are Hugo! Are these the clothes? Oh, thank you so much! These will go to good use. Let me take those from you. Now, are you able to help keep an eye on things until we're finished out here? Don't worry, we've set aside some plates for you and Cabre already - you'll get your fill!"

The woman motioned to some younger women and they all began bringing the bags of clothes inside. Hugo took up a position behind the card tables, trying to keep an eye on everything at once from behind his dark sunglasses. He called out greetings to some of the patrons, recognizing them from other lunches, other times. He had been one of them himself, for awhile. The memories quietly slid over him.

Maria leaving him...losing the condo in Tacoma...wandering the streets with all his belongings in his duffel bag...it was at places like this, charity shelters, that he was able to get a meal, get a night off the streets, get cleaned up every now and then. He was lucky to know some good people, people who had helped him get back on his feet, find a place to live...

Snapping out of the reverie, Hugo smiled a huge smile. Things were different now. He had a roof over his head, good friends in Cabre and Danny and Kendra and others. As he continued to scan the crowd, his thoughts turned inwardly to the lunch he would be having soon. His smile got even wider as he glanced at Cabre, who he knew was sharing the same thought.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 13:22; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

The shelter house, formerly a WIC center, transformed into a women's shelter in the 30's and in the intervening years evolved into a soup kitchen and more generalized. These days its referred to as the WICANS Shelter: Women, Infants, Children And Nora's Soup Shelter.

The soup went too soon and despite the fact the krill was probably well past his prime, he was pretty sure one of the chunks was a real piece of onion. Looking around, the place was crowded; A sure sign that the number of jobs isn't picking up. He noticed several new women in crowd, all but one bore a visible bruise or black eye. Another sign the economy was in the toilet: Increased domestic violence.

As usual, Cabre slurped down the soup before Hugo had his third spoonful down. Once done, Hugo took the two bowls to the wash basin then rinsed them. Even disposable service ware is recycled at the shelter. As Hugo helped pack the portable tables (most doors on saw horses), Nora approached. "Hugo right? Thank you for the clothes. Cynthia said you had located some clothes. They will be put to good use." She paused, allowing Hugo to reply before getting to the point. "I'll not beat around the bush. We are in straights. The cupboards are bare. In about two days, it will be onion flavored soup."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 13:22; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo's hand slowly ran through Cabre's fur, the dogs warmth and presence giving comfort to Hugo. He hated to think of bad things happening to these women. A sad smile spread across his face.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Nora, although I'm sorry to meet you under these trying circumstances. I'll do anything I can to help. Just to warn you though, I've got enough cred to maybe get through the week, and not much more. I'm lucky to have that much, truth to tell. But I'm thinking this shelter needs more than a short-term cash solution. And I'm thinking you have the same notion. So what can I do to help you out?"

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 13:23; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

"Yen is always good and the easiest to convert to food, but solid food stuffs will also work. I didn't know if through any of your connections you knew someone with more than they needed?"

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 13:23; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Pondering these words, Hugo rubbed his heavily-bearded jaw for a few seconds. Muttering to himself, his eyes took on an unfocused glaze, causing Nora to wonder if he was still mentally present. After the few seconds had passed, Hugo's eyes lit back up and a large grin split his face as he locked gazes with Nora.

"I think I can help. I've got to contact some people to see what our options are. I'll try to get back to you tonight with the outline of a plan. I'll be in touch."

Shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Nora, Hugo turned to go. He walked down the street back to the bus-stop and took a place in line behind a grizzled old man and what must have been his wife, to judge from the argument they were having. While waiting he accessed his commlink and sent a quick message to Kendra.

<@KJack[Lucky]: I'm done with my lunch - is now a good time to come say hi?>

Not receiving a response immediately, Hugo just shrugged and waited for the next bus to arrive. Smiling to himself at the thought of seeing Kendra, Hugo lingered on his message and re-read it several times. He was lucky to have a friend like Kendra. After the fourth or fifth reading, he realized he was putting off what he knew he had to do. It wasn't that he didn't WANT to, it was just...well, it was for WICANS, wasn't it? Steeling himself, Hugo decided to send another message, this time to someone he hadn't talked to in a long time.

<@Kilroy[Lucky]: I've got a need to make some quick nuyen, or at least score a large amount of foodstuffs. All for a good cause - WICANS is running out of resources and needs help. Know of anything for me?>

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 13:23; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

Kilroy's response came quickly. As with most of his initial responses, it was short and to the point.
<<@Lucky [Kilroy] Will advise.>>

Friday, April 4th 2070; 14:10; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

His comlink buzzed, alerting him to an incoming message. Shaking his head, he realized he'd dozed off sitting in the yard, leaning against the "WIC: Women, Infants & Children" sign. Momentarily frantic that he'd missed the bus, looking around he realizes not. Some of those waiting had given up and walked on, most were relaxing, like himself.

<<@Lucky [KJack] Just got your message; On graveyards. Gonna grab a shower and then nuke something. You gonna swing by?>>

Since she moved to an apartment at 119th St S & Park Ave S, it was at least possible. He could walk over to 7-Hwy and catch a bus there north. Buses on 7-Hwy are more consistent anyway.

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 14:15; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo briefly considered walking over to Kendra's new apartment. His GPS told him it was only about 5 miles, the map overlay in his peripheral vision showed a very simple, clear route. But it included walking along 7-Hwy, never a good idea, unless the idea of dodging cars, trucks, gangs, and thrown objects was a person's idea of fun. Looking down at Cabre, Hugo felt that he could feel his friend telling him it was a bad idea.

"I know boy, I know - we need to get a scoot or something. Maybe someday soon."

Turning to the west, Hugo began walking towards the highway, Cabre following at his heels. He sent Kendra a quick message.

<<@KJack [Lucky] Ok, I'm going to try to grab a bus from 7-Hwy and 180th St. Could be 15 minutes, could be an hour. See you soon I hope.>>

Reaching the bus stop, Hugo was glad to see that there were a few people waiting already. This was a good sign - if the stop was deserted, that would mean that a bus had come by recently and another one would be a long time coming. If people were waiting, it meant a bus could reasonably be expected to arrive sometime soon. Joining the line of people, Hugo had time to ponder the recent developments.

He wasn't sure contacting Kilroy was the best idea. Hugo didn't have anything against Kilroy personally. He was lucky to have a good business relationship with the fixer. It was just, well, it was just that he wasn't sure what he would end up being obligated to do - and he didn't like that feeling.

Better than asking for a favor from the mob, anyway. And no way could I get the gangs involved. Those women would be like fish in shark-infested waters. The Chulos might even see it as a business opportunity. No, Kilroy is probably the best solution. Although if that doesn't work out, maybe I can get Juan Carlos to do a human-interest story or something like that, get some media exposure, maybe some corporate donors would want the tax write-off. But getting the corps involved could be as bad as the gangs.

Hugo laughed to himself at this. I sure hope Kilroy comes through.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 14:47; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

The wait wasn't as bad as it could have been as Hugo watched the bus approach; At least its running today. The company running the bus route in Loveland was definitely the low cost provider... probably the higher bribe bidder, actually. As the bus approaches, he can see its already pretty full. By the time he steps up with Cabre the driver is raising a hand to wave the dog off. Hugo's initial reaction is less than cordial, his body language betraying his frustration with the policy. In the end, it takes a small stack of script to convince the driver to allow them both to board.

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:12; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

A long, smelly ride in a poorly maintained bus later, the duo exit in front of the Walgreen's on Pacific Ave S at 121st S. Afternoon foot traffic moderate and vehicle traffic is light. People tend to keep to themselves and ignore each other as much as possible.

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 18020 B St E, Loveland, Puyallup District

The walk towards Kendra's duplex gave Hugo time to reflect. Reflect how far he'd fallen. Her place isn't in the best neighborhood, but compared with his, it is pretty classy. Most of the cars parking on the streets and in driveways are older cars and needing considerably more care than they are getting, but he imagined they ran. In his current neighborhood, most of the cars are on blocks or are burned out hulks. Most everyone knew that the few running cars are protected by a lot of guns. Continuing to look at the differences, he noticed a few yards that had even been mowed. A yard with grass was rare enough in his new home.

The chirp of a siren, brought him out of his trance. Looking around, a KE squad car has its lights on and is sliding up behind him and Cabre. It stops and an officer gets out of either side. The driver talks to his partner, though both keep their eyes on Hugo and Cabre. "Johnnie, will you look at that. I don't think he got the memo. The Star is fired."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Gritting his teeth in a smile, Hugo braced for what could be a painful exchange. Dealing with these KE jokers was really trying for him. He'd met maybe one or two worthwhile KE officers of the whole bunch. He'd try to play nice for now.

"Afternoon, officers. What can I do for you today?"

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District

Seeing an opportunity, the lead officer moves out from behind the car. Cabre, sensing Hugo's anxiety tenses. The officer senses the subtleties of the escalating situation and causally puts a hand on his holstered taser as he cautiously approaches. "You got a permit for all that hardware?"

Being visibly armed anywhere in the Puyallups isn't really that out of place; The police car is more out of place than Hugo's weapons. That said, the laws are on the books and while he was an officer, that bonding doesn't carry forward to former officers. He figures they are targeting him just because of the star on his jacket.

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo was initially confused - hardware? Did they mean his pistol, concealed in the holster in the small of his back? It couldn't be - Hugo doubted KE had the skills to detect something like that. LS officers maybe would've picked up the slight bulge in the coat on his back, but not these KE clowns. They were just looking to make trouble. Seeing the officer move his hand to his taser, Hugo made sure to keep his hand slightly raised, away from his body. The last thing he needed was a physical confrontation with KE.

"I'm sorry officers, what hardware? Surely you wouldn't begrudge me a taser and a jacket, seeing the location we're in? Especially given my condition."

Hugo continued to scan the officers, his eyes moving from one to the other. His training had taught him the correct procedure in this situation, so he should be able to predict what KE would be doing. Except this wasn't a normal police situation. This was not going by the book. He tried to calm himself down, to push down the anxiety he was feeling. He could sense Cabre reacting to his nerves, and he tried to mentally send him calming waves as well.

He hoped he wouldn't have to bother officer Kochanski with this. James owed him somewhat, Hugo didn't want to reverse the situation and be put in his debt now.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District

The cop gestures with his left hand, "Taser... Perhaps not.... Pull up your pant legs."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:30; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo relaxed a little, hope starting to bloom in his mind. He knew concealing the existence of the pistol would go worse for him if the KE cops found it. But he was right, these KE weren't real cops like LS. Well, most of them weren't. Still, he wasn't out of the woods yet.

They hadn't seen the pistol. They hadn't seen the pistol. They hadn't seen the pistol. He held on to this thought, trying to steady his nerves. Cabre luckily was also seeming to relax a little, his tail starting to wag a little bit, his ears perking up in a more friendly posture.

"Of course officer, although you'll have to forgive my slowness. Lost this arm while working the Tacoma beat. I think I know the KE officer working the beat now - officer James Kochanski?"

Reaching his hand down slowly to his pants leg, Hugo hoped the name-drop would be just enough to get these guys to relax and let him go. He was already late enough to meet Kendra as it was.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:31; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District

"Hugo!" His attention is again diverted, this time by Kendra's voice. All four sets of eyes turn at the sound of the voice to the approaching young woman. Dressed in tight black pants, a white tee and her Doc-Wagon jacket, she holds their attention once she has it. "Hugo what's going on?"

The partner speaks for the first time as Kendra jogs down the street towards the scene. "Kendra...? You know this guy?"

"Yea." She calls out as she continues to close the distance. "He's a friend" Cabre prances towards Kendra. She stops to greet the dog. Despite his own affinity with Cabre, over the past weeks, Kendra seemed to be bonding in her own way with the dog.

As she knelt with the dog, the partner addressed the first cop. "Jimmy. A word?" The two stepped together, giving Hugo a moment to sort out what just happened...

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:32; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

The stress of the moment melted away for Hugo. Seeing Kendra, seeing the cops reactions, he felt immense relief. He lowered his pants leg but continued standing where he was, making no sudden moves. He knew the cops were still keeping an eye on him, even as they conferred. At least, that's what he would have done. No knowing how well these guys were trained.

"Hey, Kendra! Great to see you! Your timing is perfect, as always. This something DocWagon taught you?"

Giving a great big smile to Kendra and a wink, Hugo again thought how lucky he was to have such great friends.

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:32; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District

Kendra smiles a smile that warms a heart.. and after a moment of staring, starts blood pumping through other areas of his body. She stands and approaches with Cabre leading the way, as if announcing his victory at having gotten her attention first.

The partner calls out to Kendra. "Watch over your friend and keep him off the street dressed like that."

She replies with a smile, "You bet. Have a good evening boys."

The partner asks a question as they load up. "Working tonight?"

"Yea. Twenty-hundred."

"Ok. See you then."

She waves them off before turning to Hugo. She says playfully. "Come on Mr Policeman, before we stir up anymore trouble tonight."

[phlapjack77]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:32; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District
Lucky; PAN = hidden [Datajack]; SIN = Hugo Sanchez (not broadcast)

Hugo was very happy to see his friends interacting so well. He wished that Danny would get along with Cabre as well as Kendra did, but you can't have everything, he thought.

Relaxing fully now that the cops were gone, Hugo wiped his hand across his brow, feeling the little beads of sweat cooling in the fading sunlight. That hadn't been pleasant. He had a quick thought that maybe he should take more care to hide the LS insignia on his armored jacket. But this thought was quickly wiped away. He was proud of his service, proud of the Star. Even if they had treated him pretty badly at the end. But that was corporate stuff. The Star was made up of some great people.

"Stir up trouble ?! I'm just a guy trying to get by. How do you know those KE guys so well? Don't tell me you're friends with them! Make sure Danny doesn't find out - you know how he feels about KE."

Smiling to try to take some of the sting out of what he just said, Hugo continued.

"By the way, you look great. Danny sure is a lucky guy. Did he tell you, we're hanging out at Loveland Quinn's tonight? Sounds like you're supposed to work though - tell 'em you're sick!"

[Redjack]

Friday, April 4th 2070; 16:39; 119th St S, Loveland, Puyallup District

As Hugo talks about Danny, Kendra raises an eyebrow but remains silent. In fact, the rest of the walk back to the house is in silence. When they reach the door, Kendra pauses and turns to Hugo. She has that serious look on her face. "Hugo. You have to let Danny go." Without waiting for a reply, she opens the door, proceeding inward. Cabre follows as if he was home.

The inside of her duplex is nice and homey. Looking around, he is struck by the contrast to his own apartment. Her carpet isn't new, but its clean and in good repair. There are no holes in her walls the paint is uniform and clean. Her couch is also inviting and unlike Hugo's, there are no exposed springs or unexplained stains. She proceeds across the room to the microwave and starts something cooking. "Hungry?"